This is the shocking moment that a footballer threw punches at a teammate in an unexpected burst of anger that saw him having to be restrained by another player.
The incident occurred in a LaLiga match between Real Valladolid and Getafe on Sunday and saw Valladolid vice-captain Luis Perez punch Juan Miguel Latasa on the substitutes bench.
After Latasa had been taken off, he was subjected to an attack from Perez for seemingly refusing to accept a handshake.
Perez, 30, moved Eray Comert – who was sat between the pair – and struck Latasa in the arm with his fist.
Latasa, 24, simply stared into space and did not break his gaze before Comert stepped in to restrain an irate Perez.
Perez was an unused substitute in a game that ended with his side losing 4-0 and leaving them rooted to the foot of the table with just eight games to play.
Valladolid vice-captain Luis Perez punched Juan Miguel Latasa on the bench
Comert then stepped in to restrain an irate Perez after he threw the punch
Valladolid – who are owned by former Brazil legend Ronaldo – are currently 10 points behind 19th-placed Las Palmas and 14 from safety having won just four games all season to date.
Both players issued a joint statement on Monday to apologise for their actions.
They said: ‘No sporting result or frustration can justify disrespect or the behaviour that we showed yesterday on the bench.
‘We want to apologise to our team-mates, to the club and to the fans.
‘We apologise to the fans without any excuse to justify our behaviour and with the humility of those who have made a mistake and seek to repair the damage caused.’
The duo added that they have personally apologised to the rest of the squad and will accept any punishment dished out by the club.
Real Valladolid also issued a club statement in which they condemned the behaviour of the duo.
They added: ‘We deeply regret the image presented by our players.
‘The frustration that the sporting situation has forced upon us all must be transformed into greater commitment, a better attitude, and improved performance, never into division and confrontation.’
